Controlling the Release of Potentially Clearable Soils - An Overview of NRC Staff Analysis
J-C. Dehmel; A. Schwartzman; and D. Lewis (US Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research) is developing technical basis for evaluating different alternatives for controlling the release of potentially clearable soils generated by NRC and Agreement State-licensed facilities. Such soils are expected to be generated during facility operations and decommissioning. The types of licensed facilities considered include nuclear power reactors and their independent spent fuel storage installations, research and test reactors, fuel cycle facilities, research and development facilities, sealed source manufacturers, metal extraction facilities, and complex decommissioning sites. This work was conducted as part of the technical basis addressing the control and release of materials and equipment. Although the technical basis addresses all materials, the release of soil is being considered using separate provisions. A study was conducted to identify the types, amounts, and radiological properties of potentially clearable soils. Moreover, the study considered the presence of process material with soil-like properties, such as sediments, sands, filter cake, sludge, etc. The paper presents a summary of major findings contained in the Staff's draft report. The paper presents soil volume projections by categories of licensees, radiological properties, and their potential end-uses. Also, the paper outlines a few noteworthy points observed in developing soil concentration release levels using realistic end-use scenarios.
